Last Updated on May 15, 2026 12:38 am by BIZNAMA NEWS
Staff Reporter New Delhi
The Congress party on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his reported appeal to citizens to reduce spending on fuel, foreign travel, gold and essential commodities, alleging that the move was an attempt to divert attention from the government’s economic and foreign policy failures.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Department of the Indian National Congress, the party claimed that India’s growing energy vulnerability was the result of the BJP government’s policies over the past twelve years. It alleged that India’s dependence on crude oil imports had increased significantly during the Modi government’s tenure.
The Congress also accused the Centre of yielding to American pressure on oil imports from Russia. The statement claimed that India had earlier benefited from discounted Russian crude purchased in Indian rupees, but recent policy decisions had weakened the country’s energy sovereignty and increased dependence on expensive imports.
Raising concerns over the economy, the party said the government had spent billions of dollars to defend the rupee while foreign investors continued to withdraw funds from Indian markets. According to the Congress, this reflected declining investor confidence in the Modi administration.
The opposition party further criticised the Prime Minister’s reported appeal to curb gold purchases and consumer spending, arguing that domestic consumption remained a key driver of India’s economy. It warned that suppressing spending could adversely affect economic growth, employment and household finances.
The statement also referred to rising unemployment and concerns over fertiliser availability ahead of the Kharif season, accusing the government of failing to ensure economic and food security.
Congress leaders additionally rejected comparisons between the present situation and sacrifices made during previous governments, alleging that the BJP had increased fuel excise duties sharply when global crude prices had fallen.
The party said the solution to foreign exchange challenges lay in strengthening exports, investment and tourism rather than asking citizens to reduce spending.